The London Mayor visited the Dennington Park Road shul last Friday morning in the company of London Assembly member Brian Coleman and Councillor Chris Philp, the Tories’ Parliamentary candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn.

“It’s been beautifully restored and is a fantastic illustration of the vibrancy of London’s Jewish community, showing both its proud history and bright future,” Mr Johnson said.

Shul chairman Michael Haringham said the mayor had decided to visit as part of a West Hampstead tour “because he had heard it was restored recently. He seemed very enthusiastic about it and particularly liked the stained-glass windows. He even read some of the Hebrew lettering above the ark and recognised some of the letters. He was very encouraging about the plans to redevelop the community centre next door.”